PROTESTERS have hit a stumbling block in their battle to stop four 125m wind turbines being built on Green Belt land outside of Frodsham.

Objectors said they were 'disappointed and concerned' after Vale Royal Borough Council recommended the application be approved by the special planning committee.

Despite this setback, the planning committee decided to turn down the application, a decision which has been called in to be reconsidered by full council at the end of November.

Ian Leather, Aston parish clerk, said: 'We really thought we were on the road to victory after the planning committee's decision to reject the application, even though the voting was very close. Now we will have to go through the whole process again.

'Nevertheless, we are absolutely convinced about the strength of our arguments - that this scheme represents totally inappropriate development in the Green Belt and that the environmental benefits by way of carbon dioxide emission reduction, which are truly minuscule, in no way offset the damage that will be done.'

Hundreds of residents have written letters of objection to the plans, which were submitted by Tegni Cymru Cyf last year.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall said: 'I'm not at all convinced there is a need for these four turbines. I understand the amount of energy they would produce is limited.'

Mr Leather said: 'Reading through the constitution of Vale Royal Council, whilst it is clear that the council can call in and debate any planning committee decision, we can't find anything in the rules which allows the full council to amend or overturn any committee decision.

'This appalling proposal, which is truly the wrong scheme in the wrong place, is not the answer.'